David Gray to play two Auckland shows

David Gray, the British bloke who made the pop world safe for melancholy male singer-songwriters, is returning to Auckland for two shows in April.

Supported by rising Aussie troubadour Pete Murray, Gray will play at the Aotea Centre ASB Theatre on April 16 and 17. Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Meanwhile, soldier-turned-heartthrob James Blunt - often referred to as "the new David Gray" is rumoured also to be playing in New Zealand in April. His website mentions an Australasian tour before concert dates in Japan, but dates and venues are not confirmed.

Blunt's Back To Bedlam was the biggest-selling album in New Zealand last year, pipping local lads Fat Freddy's Drop for their debut Based On A True Story.